Bears Head Mushrooms

Hericium abietis

Other names used for this mushroom are Conifer Coral Hericium, Goats Beard and Pom Pom du Blanc. The Bears Head mushroom has a lobster like flavor when cooked. Usually cut cross wise along the cascading teeth it is draped over and steamed with fish and vegetables. It is also good to use in stir-fry’s.

The Bears Head is white with many clusters of spines hanging like icicles from a branch tip. You can find it growing alone or in groups along logs and stumps. It can grow up to 50 pounds but is usually 10 pounds and fruits year after year.